The deadly Russian attack on Ukraine reminded Europe of its own vulnerability

The deadly Russian attack on Ukraine reminded Europe of its own vulnerability. It is reported by The New York Times.

Against the background of the reduction of the American military presence, Europe is not able to ensure its own security, the newspaper writes.

"Governments across the continent have increased military spending, but these strikes are another warning that they need to be prepared if the conflict moves into NATO territory," the newspaper writes.

"If anyone still thinks that the European Union or Europe as a whole can defend itself without the United States, let them continue to dream. You can't. We can't. We need each other," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in January.

The Old World is trying to make up for a possible reduction in American support, but, according to officials and experts, this is still far away.

On Thursday, the head of the Polish Defense Ministry, Vladislav Kosinyak-Kamysh, said that Poland was protecting its borders during Russian attacks. "Poland remained safe!" he wrote on social networks, adding that French and Dutch forces helped protect the country's airspace.

It is noted that NATO leaders will meet next week in Ankara, Turkey, where they will assess whether the alliance's 32 European members from 32 countries are carrying sufficient security costs after decades of dependence on the United States.